Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,300* in value in the first year.
Finding short-term rentals in Canada for newcomers is a critical first step for Permanent Residents and international students. Booking temporary accommodation before you arrive gives you time to explore neighbourhoods, search for long-term lease options, complete settlement tasks, and settle in without pressure.
Stick to trusted booking websites that protect your money, such as Stay22, Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, or newcomer services like Rentals for Newcomers. Avoid buy-and-sell sites like Kijiji or Craigslist, where anyone can post without verification.
| Platform Category | Examples | Risk Level | Protection Mechanisms |
| Verified Short-Term Portals | Stay22, Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Hotels.com | Low | Payment escrow, host identity verification, review systems. |
| Newcomer-Focused Services | Rentals for Newcomers, Sparrow (Home-sharing) | Low | Vetted hosts tailored for students and permanent residents. |
| Open Classifieds & Social Networks | Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace | High | Unregulated; high risk of lease wire scams and fake listings. |
⚠️ Scam Alert: Classified sites like Kijiji and Craigslist are challenging to regulate. Never wire money, transfer cryptocurrency, or share sensitive banking info before verifying the physical unit and confirming the host can legally rent out their unit.
Book temporary accommodation for your first 2 to 6 weeks in Canada. If you sign a 12-month lease before you arrive, you risk falling for a rental scam, renting an unseen place in bad condition, or getting stuck in a neighbourhood far from where you need to be.
📌 Immigration & Visa Tip: When applying for your Canadian visa or study permit, you need to show where you will live. A short-term booking confirmation from sites like Stay22, Airbnb, or Booking.com works as official proof of accommodation.
Temporary accommodation in Canada costs anywhere from $40 to over $250 CAD per night. To choose the right option, consider your family size, how much luggage you carry, and your budget.
| Accommodation Type | Average Nightly Cost (CAD) | Best Suitable For | Primary Advantage |
| Furnished Apartments / Airbnbs | $120 – $250+ | Families & Couples | Private kitchens and laundry; lowers dining costs by ~40%. |
| Home-Sharing / Single Rooms | $50 – $100 | Solo Travelers | Partner platforms (e.g., Sparrow) offer verified, lower-cost living. |
| University Residences (Summer) | $80 – $140 | Students & Solo Arrivals | Available May–August; dorm-style rooms with central transit links. |
| Extended Stay Motels / Hotels | $100 – $180 | Families with Heavy Luggage | Flexible booking extensions and daily housekeeping. |
| Hostels & Shared Spaces | $40 – $80 | Solo Budget Travelers | Low cost for initial 3–5 days while verifying longer leads. |
The Commuter Strategy reduces short-term housing costs by 30% to 50% by selecting rentals located 20 to 40 minutes outside downtown cores along rapid transit arteries.
In high-demand markets like Toronto and Vancouver, downtown stays can cost $250/night, compared to suburban locations that average $120-$160/night.
Focus on these transit-friendly hubs:
If your long-term goal is to live in the city, explore our deep dive on Living in Vancouver to understand the housing and job markets.
Focus on Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway and GO Train lines:
If your long-term goal is to settle in the city, check out our Living in Toronto guide to help you make an informed decision.
City bylaws regulate the length of short-term stays in Canada at under 28 to 30 consecutive days. For example, the rental period in Toronto is less than 28 consecutive days.
Select a short-term rental located near public transit or your prospective workplace to test commuting times and evaluate essential neighbourhood amenities.
Staying in or near a city’s central district provides immediate access to key settlement needs:
If you know where you will be working, a rental near your work can help you judge commuting times and costs. A rental in or near a city’s downtown core allows you to look for your first long-term rental home and offers many benefits.
Skip the search stress. To find temporary options across major Canadian cities today, use our Arrival Stay Booking Portal↗️
Newcomers and international students are often the primary targets of rental scams. Walk away immediately if you encounter any of these five warning signs:
While these are some red flags to watch for, reviewing 10 smart tips to avoid newcomer rental scams ↗ can help prevent costly rental fraud, financial loss, and heartache.
Once your arrival stay is set, prepare for your permanent move. Join our free webinar, Renting Your First Home in Canada↗️, and discover how to secure the perfect home for you!
Paying an Airbnb host does not build credit. However, using a Canadian credit card to pay for your booking or using third-party rent-reporting platforms for mid-term stays helps establish your initial Canadian credit history.
In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, short-term rentals are legal if the property is the host’s principal residence and the host has registered with the city.
Yes. If you plan to stay for 3 to 4 weeks or longer, contact hosts on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO before booking to ask for a monthly or extended-stay discount.
This is a common dilemma. We recommend booking fully refundable accommodation on our map as soon as you have a target landing date. This secures your price while giving you the flexibility to cancel if your visa processing is delayed.
Absolutely. Suburbs like Burnaby or North York are safe, with access to amenities such as affordable grocery stores and settlement services. These locations are often more useful to a newcomer than being in a tourist-heavy downtown core.
While rental rates across Canada are softening in 2026, finding affordable housing can be a challenge. For newcomers, this can be a frustrating obstacle, especially in your first few weeks and months in a new country. In this article, we outline practical solutions to help you stay within your affordability range. With patience and persistence, you will discover options that can help you save money for accommodation in Canada without compromising comfort and quality.
Affordability is based on the proportion of your income that you pay for housing. An affordable home will require a smaller proportion of income, while an unaffordable one is larger, for example, greater than 30% of your before-tax household income.
Affordable housing is a broad term that includes private, public, and non-profit housing sectors. It also includes all forms of housing, such as rental, ownership, and temporary and permanent housing.
According to Aled ab lorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada needs to dramatically increase the supply of housing to restore affordability by 2030.
In the meantime, the Canadian government is addressing the issue of affordable housing. They have implemented various programs and initiatives to help individuals and families find affordable accommodation and manage the cost of living.
Renting is a popular option for individuals and families seeking affordable housing in Canada. In fact, Statistics Canada reveals that about one-third of Canadian households rent their residence. Keeping in mind that rental prices vary depending on the housing type, location, size, and condition of the property, here are some tips to find affordable rental options:
Consider searching for rental properties in areas that are undergoing revitalization. These areas may offer lower rent prices than more established neighbourhoods.
Incentives, especially utilities included in your monthly rent, can lower your housing costs.
Another option to consider is sharing a rental property with others. This can often lead to lower rent prices compared to traditional rental properties. And, for newcomers, home-sharing can be a great way to ease financial pressures, expand your social network, and add to your quality of life!
Since the start of the year, the Canadian rental market has shifted. While high costs remain a challenge, a surge in new apartment completions and a national vacancy rate climbing toward 5.1% means that newcomers now have more options and more bargaining power than they did just a few months ago.
Finding affordable housing can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can increase your chances of securing an affordable home. Here are some tips to help you in your search:
Facing a shortage of affordable housing, it’s important to start your search well in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to explore different neighbourhoods and visit properties. Another challenge you may face is that you’re likely competing with many others in the market for affordable housing. In this case, choice properties may be off the market quickly.
In cities with tight rental markets with low vacancy rates, you will be competing with many others in the market for affordable housing. In this case, you need to ‘sell yourself’ as the best possible candidate for the landlord to select.
Trusted rental websites such as Rentals for Newcomers can help you search for rental properties within your price range. And, you can filter your search by price range for greater ease.
Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may be able to recommend affordable housing options. People in your network may know about future vacancies within your budget that are not yet listed on rental websites.
Flexibility is key when searching for affordable housing. Consider compromising on certain amenities or locations to find a more affordable option. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore different possibilities, including basement apartments.
Should My First Place in Canada be a Basement Apartment?
Canada Rental Market 2026: Rent Prices, Vacancy Rates & Newcomer Outlook
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the process, consider seeking assistance from professionals such as real estate agents who can guide and support you throughout your search.
Smaller cities that surround major cities may offer more affordable housing and provide easy access to amenities and public transit. For example, you can explore cities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as Hamilton, Ontario.
While the challenges of finding affordable housing in Canada may seem daunting, solutions and options are available. Remember, finding affordable housing requires persistence and patience. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to find the perfect fit. By using available resources, you can increase your chances of finding suitable housing that is within your budget.
Finding affordable rental apartments in Canada can be challenging for newcomers and international students. This overview offers valuable tips on finding accommodation in Canada and preparing for a successful housing search. While finding a short-term rental before you arrive is vital, the hard work is finding affordable long-term housing. Researching the housing market before you arrive will provide you with information about rental prices in Canada.
Rental prices in Canada soared in recent years. Prices rose in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina, as people left high-rent cities like Toronto and Vancouver in search of more affordable rent. Only recently have prices started to fall, a trend experts say will continue throughout 2025. However, while rental prices are decreasing in many cities, affordability remains an issue.
Many newcomers turn to Rentals for Newcomers (RFN) to find accommodation in Canada.
Why has RFN become so popular with newcomers seeking their first rental home in Canada? RFN helps people avoid the headaches, heartaches, and expenses of their rental search by promoting landlords who value newcomers.
For immigrants arriving in Canada’s competitive rental market, Rentals for Newcomers is invaluable. Plus, it’s FREE, but you must create an account! Register for free and connect with landlords.
Rent prices vary across Canada, and some cities offer more affordable housing options. Researching and comparing rental prices can help you identify affordable cities. Equally important is exploring the local job market to ensure suitable job opportunities in your field exist. Researching local housing prices and job market conditions is the best way to build a strong financial foundation in Canada.
Newcomers seeking accommodation in Canada must research the rental market before arriving. Knowing the rental landscape can help you find your first home more quickly. Rentals for Newcomers is a great place to begin your research and find affordable apartments in Canada.
In addition to hosting rental listings from across Canada, RFN (a Prepare for Canada resource) provides:
Dave Frattini, the Managing Partner at Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, says RFN is an invaluable tool to find accommodation in Canada.
“Searching for affordable accommodation in Canada is more difficult than ever for newcomers,” said Frattini. He offers these tips to prepare to find rental accommodation in Canada:
Frattini emphasizes that “newcomers must put their best foot forward when they meet landlords. Landlords can select the pick of the crop tenants for affordable rentals in prime locations.”
“Rentals for Newcomers is a great example of a partner agency,” said Jesse Greenwell, head of Communications Culture and Inclusivity at Mainstreet Equity Corp. Mainstreet is a leading real estate company for mid-market apartment rentals in Western Canada, “which can help prepare newcomers for Canada’s rental market.”
RFN has access to the latest rental technology, tools, insights, and trends. This rental
technology allows RFN to verify landlords and ensure that scam listings are not on its site to protect newcomers. Sites like Craigslist and Kijiji are vulnerable to rental scams that target newcomers.
“Importantly, our listings are well managed,” said Frattini. “The platform is driven digitally and manually and we inform and update our audience about scams in the rental market in blog posts.”
Although rent prices are slowly decreasing and vacancy rates are improving, finding accommodation in Canada remains challenging for newcomers. Experts say this trend will continue throughout 2025. So, it’s vital to research and prepare to find your first long-term rental. Using Rentals for Newcomers can make your search easier, and faster, and help you avoid rental scams.
Finding the perfect student accommodation is a vital part of the university experience. But it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This overview will help you understand student housing options and what to consider before you arrive in Canada. From setting your budget to choosing the right location, these smart tips will help you discover the right housing.
Whether you’re looking for a dorm room, shared apartment, or private rental, our guide gives you information and resources to help you choose. We also highlight factors such as safety, amenities, and proximity to campus.
Finding affordable student accommodation can be a challenge but these smart tips can help:
Searching for student housing takes time, especially if you want to find the perfect spot. It’s best to search for housing about two months in advance to browse the market and sign a lease.
ental sites post new rental listings daily. You can start your search for off-campus student accommodation at Rentals for Newcomers (a Prepare for Canada resource).
Discover how to find shared accommodation with Sparrow and manage your student accommodation costs.
You may find it difficult to find exactly what you want at a price that fits your budget. A good way to move forward is to list things you’re willing to compromise on.
You may find budget-friendly student housing in neighbourhoods close to colleges and universities. Search for rentals that offer incentives, discounts, and gift cards for students. Engage with the school’s off-campus housing office for recommendations on landlords.
When searching for housing, provide details about your student status, finances, and rental needs. This can help overcome challenges like a lack of credit history.
Choosing the right student accommodation is more than finding a place to live. It is about creating a safe and comfortable environment that will allow you to thrive. Your student accommodation will be your home for the next few years, so choose a place that meets all your needs.
Housing suitable for studying can make a huge difference in your grades. A comfortable space can help you focus on your studies. Living close to campus and social amenities can make it easy to join extracurricular activities and make new friends.
Choosing the right housing can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider these factors when choosing student accommodation:
The first step to help you find suitable student accommodation is to consider your monthly budget. Once you know how much you can afford, you can start searching. Consider your living expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and transit. Remember to budget for all costs to manage financial stress and focus on your studies.
If you plan to work part-time in Canada, you can earn extra income to cover your housing costs. International students can work up to 24 hours without a work permit if:
| Is the Cost of Student Accommodation Important to You? |
|---|
| ✓ Yes, I need the cheapest accommodation I can find |
| ✓ No, I can afford a more expensive place |
| ✓ I have some extra money, but I have to be careful |
| ✓ I’d rather pay a bit more for a nice place to live |
Consider how important the cost of student accommodation is to you.
Student housing costs depend on the city, neighbourhood, type of housing, on-campus versus off-campus housing, etc. Sharing accommodation is likely the most affordable option. Generally, you can expect to rent a room for $500 – $1,000 monthly if you share accommodation.
However, if you attend school in a large city such as Toronto or Vancouver, you can expect to pay more. If you’re studying in cities like London, Ontario, you’ll find more affordable rent and student-friendly neighbourhoods. See which London, Ontario neighbourhoods are best for renting before choosing off-campus housing.
Consider your location when choosing student accommodation. Living near campus can be convenient, especially with early classes.
The travel distance to school may be a deciding factor. Or, you may want lower-cost student housing that is further from school. Take advantage of public transit and look for housing near transit hubs to save costs. Check local public transit schedules and routes to ensure travel time and costs are reasonable.
Living in a safe neighbourhood is vital for your well-being. Consider how close the location of your student housing is to transit, social amenities, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities.
| Is Being Near Campus a Deal Breaker for You? |
|---|
| ✓ Yes, I prefer to live on campus so I don’t have to wake up too early for classes |
| ✓ No, I want to get off campus when I’m not studying |
| ✓ Definitely, it might be unsafe to live off-campus |
| ✓ I want to live where other students live |
Consider how important location is to you.
Different types of student accommodation are available, including dormitories (dorms), shared apartments, and private rentals. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing the accommodation that suits you best.
Here are some common student housing options in Canada:
Living on-campus in a dorm can provide private or shared rooms.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Limited privacy |
| Convenient location | Noisy and disruptive living environment |
| Access to campus amenities (library, fitness centre, etc.) | Restrictive rules and regulations |
| More opportunities to participate in campus life | Limited space |
Private rentals are another option for students that can offer more privacy and independence. They are also more flexible with fewer rules and regulations than living in a dorm.
Apartments are often the first choice when it comes to private rentals. However, you can explore other types of housing such as homes, townhouses, and basement apartments.
You can search for rentals in student-friendly neighbourhoods close to colleges and universities. Look for rental listings that indicate proximity to campus and nearby budget-friendly restaurants, cafes, and shopping options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| More privacy and independence | Expensive |
| More space | Additional expenses for furniture |
| Greater control over your living environment | Limited access to campus amenities |
A homestay allows international students to live with local families. Homestay hosts can include couples, families, retirees, and individuals. While there are different homestay options, you can expect a private bedroom with room for your clothing, a quiet place to study, internet, laundry facilities, and meals.
Hosts provide safe accommodation and introduce their guests to life and culture in Canada. Universities can pair students with local homestay hosts.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Can be part of a family unit | Can be expensive |
| A supportive environment with home-cooked meals | Won’t be living on campus |
| Can immerse yourself in local culture | Must respect host family rules (cleanliness, guests, etc.) |
Sharing off-campus housing is a popular option for students. It allows you to live independently while having the support of roommates. Sharing accommodation can also create close relationships and foster a sense of community.
However, sharing a living space can be a challenge when you have to deal with conflict. Assess potential housemates to ensure they match your personality, study habits, and lifestyle.
| Do You Want to Live with Other Students? |
|---|
| ✓ For sure, I can’t wait for group movie nights and parties! |
| ✓ Having housemates is cool, but I want my own room |
| ✓ Absolutely not, I need my own space |
Assess if sharing accommodation is right for you!
Ask the right questions when viewing a student apartment to ensure it meets your needs:
And, check that all the appliances work. You don’t want to discover they don’t work after you move in.
Finding student accommodation that meets your needs is vital to your grades, social life, and well-being. So, consider what the right environment is for your success. From your budget to the location and type of student accommodation you select, making the right decision will enhance your university experience in Canada.
Are you moving to Toronto soon? Finding an apartment in Toronto for rent is a big priority. While there is much to plan before you move to Canada, finding housing is at the top of the list. And, it’s challenging when you are looking for a place to live while you are living abroad.
Toronto is a big city with many diverse neighbourhoods and apartments to rent. But, you want to find a comfortable place that fits your lifestyle. This information will help you find an apartment in Toronto while you are living abroad!
The first step to finding apartments for rent is to research the housing market. Your research will help you become familiar with:
There are many types of housing in Toronto to rent, from apartments to condos to basement apartments to townhouses. You’ll also find studios, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. It’s important to determine your needs before you begin your search.
The cost of rental housing in Toronto is more expensive than in other cities in Canada. The rent you pay depends on the type of housing you require, size, amenities, and location. Living in downtown Toronto is more expensive than living in the suburbs of Toronto. However, living downtown gives you more access to restaurants, entertainment, transportation, and more.
It’s good to explore the cost of renting apartments before you arrive. That way, you’ll know how much to budget for accommodation in Canada.
Living in downtown Toronto is expensive. So, it’s important to consider whether you want to settle downtown or in the suburbs, where housing is less expensive. But, living downtown gives you access to more jobs, restaurants, entertainment, public transit, and much more.
A common strategy for people looking for an apartment in Toronto when living abroad is to find a short-term rental. This could mean staying with friends or family if you know people in the city. Or you could stay at a hotel or Airbnb. Staying in a short-term rental allows you to explore other Toronto neighbourhoods in person before you commit to a long-term rental.
Ideally, you want to live close to where you work. A short-term rental gives you the flexibility to move when you know where you will be working.
Finding the right neighbourhood is vital. The City of Toronto is quite dispersed, and depending on where you live and work, you may discover that it can take well over an hour to commute to work. If you want to avoid a lengthy commute, ideally, you will rent an apartment close to your job.
A challenge of looking for an apartment in Toronto online is knowing if a listing is legitimate. Listings can be deceiving. Units may not be as they appear in photos. There is no substitute for seeing a rental in person before you agree to lease it. So, your best bet is to secure a short-term rental before you arrive in Canada.
The time to start your search for a long-term apartment for rent in Toronto is when you arrive. That way, you can visit the apartment in person, meet the landlord, and explore the neighbourhood to ensure it meets your needs. Finding a suitable and comfortable long-term rental is important, especially since you will likely have to sign a year-long lease.
Some people try to take advantage of new renters in the city, so tread carefully with online listings. Here are some tips to avoid rental scams:
One of the best decisions you can make when looking for an apartment in Toronto is to enlist the services of a local real estate agent. They will have an inside track on listings that are coming up and can help you quickly narrow down your search based on budget, location preferences, type of housing, and other factors of importance to you. However, it’s best to connect with a real estate agent only when you are in Toronto.
Finding an apartment in Toronto for rent can be a challenge. And, it’s even more challenging when you are looking from abroad. But, when you use this information to research the rental market before you arrive, it will help you to find the perfect Toronto rental when you arrive!
👉 Want to start your search for a Toronto rental? Visit Rentals for Newcomers!
The cost of accommodation in Canada varies by city and vacancy rates are a key driver of costs. Housing costs are usually the largest portion of a monthly budget, and if you’re a newcomer to Canada, it’s helpful to understand what determines accommodation costs. With this knowledge, you can decide where you want to live and how much you can afford. Other factors that affect the accommodation costs include location, type of housing, and size.
In Canada, the vacancy rate refers to the housing supply and the occupancy rate refers to the housing demand. Though the answer is subjective, a healthy vacancy is considered to be around 3% in general.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) conducts the Rental Market Survey (RMS) annually in urban areas with populations of 10,000 or more. The RMS estimates the strength of the rental market. The survey targets privately rented structures with at least three rental units, that have been on the market for at least three months.
The CMHC also conducts the Condominium Apartment Survey (CAS) annually in September to estimate the strength of the condominium apartment rental market. The cities covered in this survey are Calgary, Edmonton, Gatineau, Halifax, Hamilton, Kelowna, Kitchener, London, Montréal, Ottawa, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg.
A vacancy rate of two percent or lower means there is greater competition among prospective tenants as they vie for fewer vacant rental properties.
| VACANCY RATE | WHAT IT MEANS |
|---|---|
| Less than 2% | – High demand with a limited housing supply – Drives rental cost higher |
| 3% | – Healthy balance between housing supply and demand |
| Greater than 3% | – High supply with low demand – Lower housing costs – “Renter’s Market |
The vacancy rate is also a key factor determining the accommodation cost in cities across Canada. With this in mind, you can research vacancy rates to understand rental costs, determine how much you can afford, and budget for rent. Here are the 2023 vacancy rates and average rental rates for a 2-bedroom apartment in several Canadian cities:
| CITY VACANCY RATE | AVERAGE RENT FOR A 2-BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT |
|---|---|
| CANADA 0.9% | $2,049 |
| OTTAWA, Ontario 0.4% | $2,085 |
| VANCOUVER, British Columbia 0.9% | $2,580 |
| HALIFAX, Nova Scotia 1.0% | $1,628 |
| TORONTO, Ontario 0.7% | $2,862 |
| KITCHENER-CAMBRIDGE-WATERLOO, Ontario 0.1% | $** |
| CALGARY, Alberta 1.0% | $1,819 |
| REGINA, Saskatchewan 1.8% | $1,421 |
| LONDON, Ontario 0.1% | $2,050 |
| SUDBURY, Ontario 1.2% | $1,361 |
| WINNIPEG, Manitoba 1.8% | $1,333 |
| WINDSOR, Ontario 2.0% | $1,253 |
| SASKATOON, Saskatchewan 2.0% | $1,449 |
| EDMONTON, Alberta 2.5% | $1,359 |
| HAMILTON, Ontario 2.6% | $2,373 |
| ST. CATHARINES-NIAGARA, Ontario 2.8% | $1,388 |
Finding affordable housing continues to be challenging, especially in Toronto and Vancouver where vacancy rates are below two percent. That’s why we encourage newcomers to consider other cities that often offer hidden advantages to newcomers, including lower accommodation costs.
Housing affordability and supply are essential factors when evaluating your landing city options. In Canada, spending less than 30% of your pre-tax income on housing is considered affordable. Spending more than 30% on housing will mean cutting into your budget for things like food, transportation, and other necessities. And, until you establish stable finances, it’s wise to manage your budget and expenses accordingly.
Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are expensive when it comes to accommodation. However, you’ll likely find housing prices that are more in line with your budget in other Canadian cities. Carefully researching small and mid-sized cities across Canada before you choose your landing city is the key to your success.
It’s important to research housing and job markets across Canada. Canada is a vast country with regional, economic, and cultural differences. And, the cost of housing (both in the rental and homebuying markets) can vary widely. At the same time, you want to research your profession in different cities to ensure job opportunities match your skills, knowledge, and experience.
This initial research is critical. While you can always relocate to other cities, making a secondary move is expensive. Carefully evaluating your landing city options, housing costs, and career options will help you make smart decisions and achieve financial stability and success! You can easily check out rental costs in cities across Canada at Rentals for Newcomers.
The cost of living varies across Canada. Groceries, transportation, rent, or home-buying costs can be expensive. Also, consider your lifestyle and the cost of entertainment and dining out.
Considering all of these factors will help you to budget for the cost of accommodation in Canada. And for newcomers, this information can help you make smart and affordable landing city decisions!
Here are the 10 most livable cities in Ontario, showcasing a diverse range of communities that offer unique benefits and amenities. They include: 1. Burlington, 2. Ottawa, 3. Pickering, 4. Oakville, 5. Vaughan, 6. Hamilton, 7. Guelph, 8. Tecumseh, and more. Each city has its own charm and appeal.
Settling in an Ontario city can be expensive for newcomers and international students. However, cities in Ontario remain by far the most popular with immigrants to Canada, so let’s look at the 10 best Ontario cities to live in.
First, rent prices in Ontario cities, particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are among the highest in the country, except for Vancouver.
The unemployment rate in Ontario in June was 6.8 percent, up from 0.3 percent from May. Nationally, it is 6.4 percent.
However, city life in Ontario, Canada’s largest and most populated province, is about more than rent prices. Quality of life and job opportunities are also crucial to newcomers when choosing the best city in Ontario to live in.
Settlement services, vital for newcomers, are also different in each Ontario city, as are job market opportunities and the cost of living (inflation).
Many settlement experts regard selecting the correct city as the best job strategy for newcomers.
Recently, The Globe and Mail published research* listing the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants.
The Globe, one of Canada’s premier news outlets, collected data from 439 Canadian cities with a population of at least 10,000 in partnership with Environics Analytics Group Ltd.
Housing was rated as one of THE most important concerns of newcomers to Canada. As the Globe pointed out:
“As housing costs have marched steadily upward in Canada, discussing real estate prices has become as common as chatting about the weather. And so often, the conversation about where to live focuses on one number: The cost of buying a home.”
Time Zone: Ontario spans two time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Central Standard Time (CST). Most of Ontario, including major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, follows EST.
Climate: Ontario experiences a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Average Temperatures:
Summer (June to August): Highs range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Winter (December to February): Lows can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).
Precipitation: Ontario receives a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and October.
Sunshine: July is the sunniest month, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity: Relative humidity varies, with May being the driest month and December having the highest humidity
Unsurprisingly, Globe research determined that Burlington, at the western end of the GTA, is Ontario’s most livable city (it was also ranked as the fifth most livable in Canada).
Burlington’s geographic location makes it the perfect commuter city. For work or play, people can travel by road or rail to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the Niagara region.
While Burlington rent prices are not cheap, a one-bedroom apartment there is over $300 cheaper per month than in Toronto. Also, Burlington scored extremely high regarding amenities.
In a recent Point2 research study**, Burlington was rated as the top Ontario city among the country’s 10 best for juggling professional and personal life. According to the Point2 study, “Burlington enjoys a balanced mix of positive health perceptions, with 93 percent of its residents reporting high levels of life satisfaction.”
Rent: $2,196 *** (for a one-bedroom)
(Average) House Price: $1.16 million ***
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Burlington, Ontario
Rent: $1,967
House Price: $686, 535
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 6 percent
Read more about living in Ottawa, Ontario
Rent: $1,885
House Price: $941,000
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 5.9 percent
Rent: $2,305
House Price: $1.48 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8
Rent: $1,991
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.9 percent
Rent: $1,806
House Price: $831,190
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Hamilton, Ontario
Rent: $2,046
House Price: $850, 226
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 3.7 percent
Rent: $1,534
House Price: $795, 276
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 9.1 percent
Rent: $1,476
House Price: $643,111
Unemployment rate (as of March 2024): 8.4 percent
Rent: $2, 062
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8 percent
Read more about living in Markham, Ontario
CITATIONS:
**Point2
*** Prices as of June 2024, subject to fluctuations monthly
SOURCES:
Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Statistics Canada, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA, Zolo, Environics Analytics Group Ltd., Point2
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
Buying tenant insurance is vital for international students renting, studying, and working in Canada. Having tenant insurance can save you from unforeseen costs and protect your belongings. Your college or university may even require it if you live on-campus.
Likewise, if you’re renting off-campus, your landlord may demand it as part of the rental agreement.
So, what is student tenant insurance, what does it do, and how do you get it?
Tenant insurance covers your personal property and liability. It also covers additional living expenses if, for example, you must move temporarily due to an event such as a flood or fire in your apartment or building.
While your landlord will have insurance, this will only cover the building itself. For example, it does not insure your belongings or cover your liability in case of damage or injury. So tenant insurance, also known as renters insurance, gives you security, protection, and peace of mind.
International students can find it challenging when it comes to searching for off-campus housing. Discover how to overcome common obstacles and find housing accommodation options for your unique needs.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARTenant insurance covers your personal belongings within your apartment. The insurance helps pay for any loss or damage to your personal property (and includes items damaged or stolen). Your stuff like electronics, phones, laptops, gaming systems, and jewelry is expensive and valuable. They are also prime targets for thieves.
Landlords expect you to have tenant insurance. They will ask for a copy of your policy before you move in.
If you live on campus in student housing, your school (university or college) will likely insist you have renters’ insurance. The school is your landlord. Most schools will detail in the residency agreement that they are not liable for theft or damage to student property.
Tenant insurance ensures that if you can’t live in your apartment due to a covered emergency such as a fire, you will get financial assistance for temporary accommodation (like a hotel or Airbnb) and food.
Count on it, and some accidents are costly. Personal liability coverage in your tenant insurance policy protects you if your landlord holds you responsible for property damage or personal injury to someone at your apartment. Parties and sharing student accommodation with others bring visitors, including some who may cause damage or steal your stuff. You could be held responsible if they damage your home or injure someone.
Legally, you do not require tenant insurance in Canada. There is no law to make renters purchase tenant insurance. But, it does protect you and provides security and peace of mind. And, of course, your landlord may insist you buy it to meet the terms of your lease agreement.
Given how affordable contents insurance is for renters in Canada, it makes sense for students to insure their valuables, particularly those living so far from home.
Contact an insurance company and talk to the broker about renter’s insurance for university and college students. They have the knowledge and expertise to advise you.
Remember, when you get tenant insurance, read the agreement carefully to know what is covered (and what is not!). Be sure to share the agreement with your landlord.
When renting a home in Canada, it’s a good idea to inform a prospective landlord that you intend to get tenant insurance. This shows landlords you will be a responsible tenant.